Visitors Expected to Flock to New Lava Site

HILO (KHNL) - Thousands of visitors are expected to flock to the Big Island this weekend when the much anticipated Madame Pele's latest spectacular show opens Saturday

A special blessing will be held to mark the occasion.

The latest activity shows lava from Kilauea Volcano reaching the sea.

The lava flow located just west of Kalapana -- outside of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, has been traveling through a well-developed lava tube about 8 miles long and reached the ocean Wednesday night.

But park officials say they it's not known how long this event will last.

If you plan to head down to the viewing area at 2 p.m. Saturday, Hawaii County Civil Defense officials want you to make sure to bring water and adequate walking shoes for the one and a half mile walk.

Also there is no cell phone coverage.

Viewing hours are from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. with the last vehicle being allowed in at 8 p.m.